Tignanello Tasting dinner with Renzo Cotarella
La Pizza Fresca Ristorante, NYC
Tasted October 19, 2016 by retired_and_roving with 483 views
Introduction
Attended a wine dinner at Pizza Fresca in NYC featuring eight vintages of Antinori Tignanello and hosted by Antinori's CEO & Chief Winemaker Renzo Cotarella. The wine was served in chronological order starting with 1979 and ending with the 2013 vintage. A sparkling Franciacorta was served to start and a Santa Cristina Vin Santo to end (I did not taste this). The Pizza Fresca Sommelier, Brad, opened the dinner with an introduction of Renzo and brief description of the 30,000 bottle wine cellar at the restaurant. Renzo shared some remarks about the history of Tignanello and the Antinori estate. In attendance at the dinner was the youngest member of the Antinori family. The menu was as follows:
Carpaccio di Manzo - beef tenderloin, parmigiano reggiano, arugula, sicilian extra virgin olive oil, sea salt
Pappardelle Cinghiale - hand-made fresh pasta, wild boar rags
Pizza Margherita - san marzano tomato, bufala mozzarella, parmigiano reggiano
Pizza Salame Picante - san marzano tomato, soppressata picante, bufala mozzarella
Manzo Brasato al Chianti - chianti marinated boneless beef short ribs, olive oil crush potatoes
Great wines served with delicious rustic italian fare, a great night. An added bonus, Brad was offering a 50% discount on a number of Antinori wines which can be opened when dining at the restaurant on future occasions. Good business for him and a great opportunity to drink some aged Antinori's for closer to cost.
Flight 1 (9 notes)
Red
1979 Antinori Tignanello
Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
From 5 Liter bottle. Color is starting to brick, brownish red. On the nose quite a bit of barnyard funk, which dissipates over the course of the evening. On the palate, I find this to have a distinct raisiny quality to the fruit. The winemaker noted that this was a particularly ripe vintage in Tuscany. Tastes over the hill to me, still interesting but not exactly delicious. Both the nose and palate fade a bit after a few hours in the glass.
Red
1985 Antinori Tignanello
Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
From magnum. No signs of browning. The nose on this is much more muted and less funky than the '79. On the palate this is much more elegant and restrained, the fruit is less prominent and very balanced. Winemaker noted that this is a great wine to see how Tignanello expresses in a cool vintage. Lots of life left in this one.
Red
1990 Antinori Tignanello
Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
Color is ruby red. On the nose the barnyard funk is evident, but in a good way. On the palate, tart red cherry and some tar and earthy flavors. Very vibrant and delicious - my favorite of the first three wines tasted.
Red
1997 Antinori Tignanello
Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
Wow - this is just gorgeous tonight. Really well balanced fruit, acid and tannins with the earth and leather coming out to play. Still very youthful with a long life ahead. This is the WOTN for me - just lovely!
Red
1999 Antinori Tignanello
Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
Another beauty in the lineup tonight. On the nose, this is all about the red fruit. On the palate the red fruit and tannins are all nicely resolved, great finish.
Red
2004 Antinori Tignanello
Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
The '04 is the winemaker's favorite vintage. I thought it was quite delicious, but actually preferred the 90's vintages tonight as they just seemed to be more mature. I think this will cellar for quite a long time, though you would not be disappointed to drink this now. Sorry late in the lineup and notes are getting more sparse.
Red
2007 Antinori Tignanello
Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
The '07 is also drinking well right now, but still quite youthful. The fruit is a bit more primary and stealing the show. I will continue to hold my '07's and let them age gracefully for maximum enjoyment.
Red
2013 Antinori Tignanello
Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT
A total baby, still bursting wth red fruit. Did not really hold up against its more mature companions, although I am sure it blossom with more time in the cellar.
Closing
I thought the 90's vintages stole the show for me tonight, particularly the 1997 although they were all terrific. The 1979 from 5 liter, seemed a bit over the hill although it was not decanted so perhaps might have improved with time.
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